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AUTOWEEK TV: Jaguar rolls out C-X16 concept ahead of Frankfurt debut

September 6, 2011

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Also in this episode: Audi shows off the A2 concept, Hyundai reveals the redesigned i30, Fisker teases a crossover, Audi preps the R8 GT3 for racing in the Grand-Am series and cash-starved Saab seeks court protection.

TRANSCRIPT

The press preview days for the Frankfurt motor show are less than a week away now, and we've got a look at Jaguar's sleek sports-car concept as well as some new views of the Audi A2.

Also, Audi says it will prep the R8 to go racing in the Grand-Am series, and Saab heads to court to buy it some more time.

This is a Wednesday edition of Autoweek TV. Let's hit the gas and get going!

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We'll have a closer look at that new Jaguar in just a couple of minutes. Here is some other Frankfurt news:

-- Audi has released photos of the reborn A2 small car that debuts next week. The A2 is designed to be an electric car, or use a range-extending hybrid powertrain. To keep weight low, the car uses plenty of aluminum and carbon fiber.

-- Hyundai has given us a look at the redesigned i30 compact car for Europe. The new styling, and the i30's size, is pretty close to that of the new Elantra we get here in the United States.

-- And electric-car maker Fisker is teasing us with a sketch of what looks to be a crossover vehicle. The name? The Surf.

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The 2012 24 Hours of Daytona is still four months away, but Audi announced today that it will be joining the grid.

Audi will modify the multirace-winning GT3 version of the R8 to meet the Grand-Am series regulations.

Changes include a stiffer roll cage, a detuned engine that will make about 450 hp, and removal of the antilock brakes and traction control, which are prohibited in Grand-Am.

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Cash-starved Saab today filed for court protection from creditors in Sweden. Saab wants to reorganize its operations while waiting for cash from a pair of Chinese investors.

Saab's U.S. operations stress that the court filing does not affect its business here.

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Now, back to the Jaguar. The C-X16 will be one of the stars in Frankfurt next week. For more details, here's Dale Jewett.

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Fresh off of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary E-type, Jaguar is ready to launch a new era of sports cars.

One vision of that future is the C-X16 concept. From behind the car, you can see the subtle homage being paid to the E-type.

The two-seater sports car has an aluminum body, with wheels pushed out toward the corners and 50/50 weight distribution.

Under the hood is a hybrid powertrain that marries a supercharged V6 with an electric motor. Total output of nearly 470 hp propels the C-X16 to a top speed of 186 mph.

Jaguar design chief Ian Callum says the C-X16 is the most exciting car the British carmaker has done so far. We're inclined to put it near the top of the list.

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Thanks, Dale.

You can check out this new Jag, and all the debuts from Frankfurt, at autoweek.com/frankfurt.

That's it for today. We'll see you back here on Thursday. Until then, enjoy the drive.